The replication Myth 1

This column, the first in a series of two, is an overview of an issue that presents a muddled appearance
and which has not received proper attention for decades—the issue of “replication”. What exactly is it that is replicated? We here describe what turns out to be a complex issue—and some of the inherent
confusion involved. In a later column (number 2) we will suggest one or two ways out of this difficulty. We also invite readers to present their views on this issue (for a possible column number 3).